The average score increased by 4 points this season (2021: 79 -- 2022: 83)

[Always Ballin]

Is the game headed in the right direction? There seem to be fewer stoppages than in the past. This was evident last year; I haven't seen this year's statistics. Have to hand it to Hocking: the kick-in rule was the best rule introduced in recent memory. It's changed the flow of the game from the kick-in: teams are able to transition the ball more easily. The 6-6-6 rule was also a good addition and statistically increased inside 50s and goals from center clearances. The stand rule and protective area are also good additions.

What's your take? Hopefully, the AFL can build on this and push for an 85+ average score next season.

For reference:

• 2022: 83
• 2021: 79
• 2020: 76 adjusted
• 2019: 80
• 2018: 83
• 2017: 89
• 2016: 88
• 2015: 86
• 2014: 86
• 2013: 92
• 2012: 92
• 2011: 92
• 2010: 90
• 2009: 91
• 2008: 97
• 2007: 95
• 2006: 92
• 2005: 95
• 2004: 93
• 2003: 94
• 2002: 94
• 2001: 98
• 2000: 103

 

[g_TRAIN]

I feel like there is more of an emphasis on quick decisive ball movement this year and the good teams are playing that brand.

Basically the opposite of how St Kilda plays.

 

[powerrrrrrrrrrrr]

I think especially the second half of the year produced some of the most free flowing and higher scoring games I can remember for a good 10+ years.

Regularly the winning team was posting 100+ and a number of games where both teams went 100+.

All round, whatever was the cause it’s been a great outcome.

 

[Always Ballin]

I feel like there is more of an emphasis on quick decisive ball movement this year and the good teams are playing that brand.

Basically the opposite of how St Kilda plays.

I agree. The kick-in rule and the stand rule have given teams more space to create. Last year, teams played very conservatively, using that newfound space to maintain possession and rack up uncontested touches. Sydney was ahead of the curve last year in that regard. It does appear more teams are putting together optimal strategies this year, taking advantage.

 

[benji2]

I think it’s been better and is improving from the 2019-20 nadir of rolling mauls and congested play


On iPhone using BigFooty.com mobile app

 

[jpmelb7]

I don't understand the emphasis on higher scoring all the time. Lower scoring games are generally closer in margin than high scoring affairs. As scores have gone down over the years so has the average winning margin.

Year 2000​

Avg. Winning Margin 38.41

2001​

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36.78​

2002​

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31.66​

2003​

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33.22​

2004​

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36.32​

2005​

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34.34​

2006​

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34.55​

2007​

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32.69​

2008​

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35.85​

2009​

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32.98​

2010​

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34.99​

2011​

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39.82​

2012​

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40.87​

2013​

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36.95​

2014​

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35.37​

2015​

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37.93​

2016​

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37.89​

2017​

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32.16​

2018​

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33.10​

2019​

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30.00​

2020​

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26.22​

2021​

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30.10​

2022​

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31.03​

Therefore higher scoring = bigger blowouts. Lower scoring = Closer games.

 

[Sky]

Quite often a player kicks it back in towards the corridor and most the time it results in a throw in because someone else has punched it over the boundary. If their goal is to increase scoring then rule this deliberate because you can’t deny it always is. That’s when the interchange caps will come into play

I only bring this up because the umpires are so bad at calling deliberate out of bounds as is. Might make it easier on the poor bastards. Holding the ball is pretty bad too

 

[HairyO]

AFL has massively increased how many soft frees they pay forwards now so only going up by 4 points is a pretty poor return.

It would be more interesting to look at goals and behinds because it feels like we have more scoring shots now but way more are missed.

 

[hawkman]

How bad both West Coast and North Melbourne probably impacted the increase more than anything. The combined for and against for the bottom 2 were 200 or so points higher than previous years

 

[spudmaster]

That average would have to have been helped out by having North and Eagles as bad as they were this year, surely?

 

[Danw0w]

There is no evidence that the stand rule has increased scoring and even it does, it’s not worth it to see constant 50 metre penalties because the man on the mark dared move one micrometre.

 

[jpmelb7]

AFL has massively increased how many soft frees they pay forwards now so only going up by 4 points is a pretty poor return.

It would be more interesting to look at goals and behinds because it feels like we have more scoring shots now but way more are missed.

I'd say the % of goals from free kicks is through the roof. If someone could provide the stats it would be good. I reckon goals from Tiggy touch wood frees are the biggest frustration to most supporters. Goals need to be earnt not given away.

 

[HairyO]

I'd say the % of goals from free kicks is through the roof. If someone could provide the stats it would be good. I reckon goals from Tiggy touch wood frees are the biggest frustration to most supporters. Goals need to be earnt not given away.

We now have the situation where a forward can throw a defender around and it most likely wont be called, but a defender even touches a forward and they are going to get pinged.